Rick L. Wessels, Ph.D.
I use high-resolution satellite remote sensing to monitor and research volcanoes around the world. I am always working toward faster remote sensing acquisition and reporting to many partners both at the USGS Volcano Observatories and many international observatories and emergency managers.
I've been using various types of overhead imaging as the main tool for various types of geology, glacier, and volcano research since 1988 starting in industry and academic positions and now with the U.S. Geological Survey since 2003. I specialize in using a full spectrum of satellite data to better understand the surface of the Earth.
Professional Experience
USGS Volcano Disaster Assistance Program - Reston, VA (since 2013): 2011-present
USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory - Anchorage, AK: 2003-2013
Arizona State University Post-Doc - USGS Astrogeology - Flagstaff, AZ: 2000-2003
Amoco Research - Tulsa, OK 1997 - 1998 (part-time consulting while at ASU for my PhD.)
Amoco - Houston, TX: 1990 - 1993
Chevron - Midland, TX: summer 1989
USGS NAGT intern - Cascades Volcano Observatory, Vancouver, WA: summer 1988
Education and Certifications
Arizona State University Geology PhD. 1999
Northern Arizona Geology MS 1990
Cornell College Geology BA 1988
Affiliations and Memberships*
AGU
IAVCEI
NASA
Honors and Awards
Partly funded as a Co-investigator for various Earth Science and Planetary NASA grants from 1993 to 2022
Several USGS STAR awards 2005, 2006, 2009, 2014, 2018
Abstracts and Presentations
Panelist - NGA Thermal Summit - 2019 - Chantilly, VA
Invited Speaker - ScienceWriters2018 Meeting - Washington DC
Invited Speaker - Civil Applications Meeting - 2014, 2015 - Reston, VA
Invited Speaker - University of Pittsburgh - 2008
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 27
Timing, distribution, and volume of proximal products of the 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano: Chapter 8 in The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska Timing, distribution, and volume of proximal products of the 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano: Chapter 8 in The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska
During and after the 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, we compiled a geologic map and chronology of new lava and flowage deposits using observational flights, oblique and aerial photography, infrared imaging, satellite data, and field investigations. After approximately 6 months of precursory activity, the explosive phase of the eruption commenced with two explosions on January 11...
Authors
Michelle L. Coombs, Katharine F. Bull, James W. Vallance, David J. Schneider, Evan E. Thoms, Rick L. Wessels, Robert G. McGimsey
Emission of SO2, CO2, and H2S from Augustine Volcano, 2002-2008: Chapter 26 in The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska Emission of SO2, CO2, and H2S from Augustine Volcano, 2002-2008: Chapter 26 in The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska
Airborne surveillance of gas emissions from Augustine Volcano and other Cook Inlet volcanoes began in 1990 to identify baseline emission levels during noneruptive conditions. Gas measurements at Augustine for SO2, CO2, and H2S showed essentially no evidence of anomalous degassing through spring 2005. Neither did a measurement on May 10, 2005, right after the onset of low level seismicity...
Authors
Kenneth A. McGee, Michael P. Doukas, Robert G. McGimsey, Christina A. Neal, Rick L. Wessels
Optical satellite data volcano monitoring: a multi-sensor rapid response system Optical satellite data volcano monitoring: a multi-sensor rapid response system
In this chapter, the use of satellite remote sensing to monitor active geological processes is described. Specifically, threats posed by volcanic eruptions are briefly outlined, and essential monitoring requirements are discussed. As an application example, a collaborative, multi-agency operational volcano monitoring system in the north Pacific is highlighted with a focus on the 2007...
Authors
Kenneth A. Duda, Michael Ramsey, Rick L. Wessels, Jonathan Dehn
Eruption of Alaska volcano breaks historic pattern Eruption of Alaska volcano breaks historic pattern
In the late morning of 12 July 2008, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) received an unexpected call from the U.S. Coast Guard, reporting an explosive volcanic eruption in the central Aleutians in the vicinity of Okmok volcano, a relatively young (~2000-year-old) caldera. The Coast Guard had received an emergency call requesting assistance from a family living at a cattle ranch on the...
Authors
Jessica Larsen, Christina A. Neal, Peter Webley, Jeff Freymueller, Matthew Haney, Stephen McNutt, David Schneider, Stephanie Prejean, Janet Schaefer, Rick L. Wessels
Use of thermal infrared imaging for monitoring renewed dome growth at Mount St. Helens, 2004 Use of thermal infrared imaging for monitoring renewed dome growth at Mount St. Helens, 2004
A helicopter-mounted thermal imaging radiometer documented the explosive vent-clearing and effusive phases of the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 2004. A gyrostabilized gimbal controlled by a crew member housed the radiometer and an optical video camera attached to the nose of the helicopter. Since October 1, 2004, the system has provided thermal and video observations of dome growth...
Authors
David J. Schneider, James W. Vallance, Rick L. Wessels, Matthew Logan, Michael S. Ramsey
Atmospheric contribution of gas emissions from Augustine volcano, Alaska during the 2006 eruption Atmospheric contribution of gas emissions from Augustine volcano, Alaska during the 2006 eruption
Airborne surveillance of gas emissions from Augustine for SO2, CO2 and H2S showed no evidence of anomalous degassing from 1990 through May 2005. By December 20, 2005, Augustine was degassing 660 td−1 of SO2, and ten times that by January 4, 2006. The highest SO2 emission rate measured during the 2006 eruption was 8650 td−1 (March 1); for CO2, 13000 td−1 (March 9), and H2S, 8 td−1...
Authors
K.A. McGee, M.P. Doukas, R. G. McGimsey, C.A. Neal, R.L. Wessels
Monitoring volcanic threats using ASTER satellite data Monitoring volcanic threats using ASTER satellite data
This document summarizes ongoing activities associated with a research project funded by the national aeronautics and space administration (NASA) focusing on volcanic change detection through the use of satellite imagery. This work includes systems development as well as improvements in data analysis methods. Participating organizations include the NASA land processes distributed active...
Authors
K. A. Duda, R. Wessels, M. Ramsey, J. Dehn
Recent extreme avalanches: Triggered by climate change? Recent extreme avalanches: Triggered by climate change?
On 25 September 2008, seismo meters operated by the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) registered strong ground shaking. On the basis of previous experience with such large seismic signals, AVO personnel were able to rapidly identify the seismic event as an avalanche. Two days later, an AVO overflight of Iliamna volcano, near Alaska's Cook Inlet, confirmed that a massive chunk of glacial...
Authors
C. Huggel, J. Caplan-Auerbach, Rick Wessels
Monitoring volcano threats from space Monitoring volcano threats from space
Volcanoes can have extremely wide ranging effects. Even a single eruption can cause disastrous climate changes at great distance from the source. Thus, it is important to have a system to monitor even the most remote volcanoes. The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) on the Terra spacecraft and other satellite sensors provide imagery that is critical to...
Authors
Kenneth A. Duda, Rick L. Wessels, Michael Ramsey, Jonathan Dehn
Monitoring and modeling ice-rock avalanches from ice-capped volcanoes: A case study of frequent large avalanches on Iliamna Volcano, Alaska Monitoring and modeling ice-rock avalanches from ice-capped volcanoes: A case study of frequent large avalanches on Iliamna Volcano, Alaska
Iliamna is an andesitic stratovolcano of the Aleutian arc with regular gas and steam emissions and mantled by several large glaciers. Iliamna Volcano exhibits an unusual combination of frequent and large ice-rock avalanches in the order of 1 ?? 106??m3 to 3 ?? 107??m3 with recent return periods of 2-4??years. We have reconstructed an avalanche event record for the past 45??years that...
Authors
C. Huggel, J. Caplan-Auerbach, C. F. Waythomas, R.L. Wessels
Geothermal disruption of summit glaciers at Mount Spurr Volcano, 2004-6: An unusual manifestation of volcanic unrest Geothermal disruption of summit glaciers at Mount Spurr Volcano, 2004-6: An unusual manifestation of volcanic unrest
Mount Spurr, a 3,374-m-high stratovolcano in the Cook Inlet region of Alaska, showed signs of volcanic unrest beginning in 2004 and lasting through 2006. These signs included increases in heat flow, seismicity, and gas flux, which we interpret as the results of a magmatic intrusion in mid-2004. In response, debris-laden meltwater beneath the glacier in Mount Spurr's geothermally active...
Authors
Michelle L. Coombs, Christina A. Neal, Rick L. Wessels, Robert G. McGimsey
The reawakening of Alaska's Augustine volcano The reawakening of Alaska's Augustine volcano
Augustine volcano, in south central Alaska, ended a 20-year period of repose on 11 January 2006 with 13 explosive eruptions in 20 days. Explosive activity shifted to a quieter effusion of lava in early February, forming a new summit lava dome and two short, blocky lava flows by late March (Figure 1). The eruption was heralded by eight months of increasing seismicity, deformation, gas...
Authors
John A. Power, Christopher J. Nye, Michelle L. Coombs, Rick L. Wessels, Peter F. Cervelli, Jon Dehn, Kristi L. Wallace, Jeffrey T. Freymueller, Michael P. Doukas
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 27
Timing, distribution, and volume of proximal products of the 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano: Chapter 8 in The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska Timing, distribution, and volume of proximal products of the 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano: Chapter 8 in The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska
During and after the 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, we compiled a geologic map and chronology of new lava and flowage deposits using observational flights, oblique and aerial photography, infrared imaging, satellite data, and field investigations. After approximately 6 months of precursory activity, the explosive phase of the eruption commenced with two explosions on January 11...
Authors
Michelle L. Coombs, Katharine F. Bull, James W. Vallance, David J. Schneider, Evan E. Thoms, Rick L. Wessels, Robert G. McGimsey
Emission of SO2, CO2, and H2S from Augustine Volcano, 2002-2008: Chapter 26 in The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska Emission of SO2, CO2, and H2S from Augustine Volcano, 2002-2008: Chapter 26 in The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska
Airborne surveillance of gas emissions from Augustine Volcano and other Cook Inlet volcanoes began in 1990 to identify baseline emission levels during noneruptive conditions. Gas measurements at Augustine for SO2, CO2, and H2S showed essentially no evidence of anomalous degassing through spring 2005. Neither did a measurement on May 10, 2005, right after the onset of low level seismicity...
Authors
Kenneth A. McGee, Michael P. Doukas, Robert G. McGimsey, Christina A. Neal, Rick L. Wessels
Optical satellite data volcano monitoring: a multi-sensor rapid response system Optical satellite data volcano monitoring: a multi-sensor rapid response system
In this chapter, the use of satellite remote sensing to monitor active geological processes is described. Specifically, threats posed by volcanic eruptions are briefly outlined, and essential monitoring requirements are discussed. As an application example, a collaborative, multi-agency operational volcano monitoring system in the north Pacific is highlighted with a focus on the 2007...
Authors
Kenneth A. Duda, Michael Ramsey, Rick L. Wessels, Jonathan Dehn
Eruption of Alaska volcano breaks historic pattern Eruption of Alaska volcano breaks historic pattern
In the late morning of 12 July 2008, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) received an unexpected call from the U.S. Coast Guard, reporting an explosive volcanic eruption in the central Aleutians in the vicinity of Okmok volcano, a relatively young (~2000-year-old) caldera. The Coast Guard had received an emergency call requesting assistance from a family living at a cattle ranch on the...
Authors
Jessica Larsen, Christina A. Neal, Peter Webley, Jeff Freymueller, Matthew Haney, Stephen McNutt, David Schneider, Stephanie Prejean, Janet Schaefer, Rick L. Wessels
Use of thermal infrared imaging for monitoring renewed dome growth at Mount St. Helens, 2004 Use of thermal infrared imaging for monitoring renewed dome growth at Mount St. Helens, 2004
A helicopter-mounted thermal imaging radiometer documented the explosive vent-clearing and effusive phases of the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 2004. A gyrostabilized gimbal controlled by a crew member housed the radiometer and an optical video camera attached to the nose of the helicopter. Since October 1, 2004, the system has provided thermal and video observations of dome growth...
Authors
David J. Schneider, James W. Vallance, Rick L. Wessels, Matthew Logan, Michael S. Ramsey
Atmospheric contribution of gas emissions from Augustine volcano, Alaska during the 2006 eruption Atmospheric contribution of gas emissions from Augustine volcano, Alaska during the 2006 eruption
Airborne surveillance of gas emissions from Augustine for SO2, CO2 and H2S showed no evidence of anomalous degassing from 1990 through May 2005. By December 20, 2005, Augustine was degassing 660 td−1 of SO2, and ten times that by January 4, 2006. The highest SO2 emission rate measured during the 2006 eruption was 8650 td−1 (March 1); for CO2, 13000 td−1 (March 9), and H2S, 8 td−1...
Authors
K.A. McGee, M.P. Doukas, R. G. McGimsey, C.A. Neal, R.L. Wessels
Monitoring volcanic threats using ASTER satellite data Monitoring volcanic threats using ASTER satellite data
This document summarizes ongoing activities associated with a research project funded by the national aeronautics and space administration (NASA) focusing on volcanic change detection through the use of satellite imagery. This work includes systems development as well as improvements in data analysis methods. Participating organizations include the NASA land processes distributed active...
Authors
K. A. Duda, R. Wessels, M. Ramsey, J. Dehn
Recent extreme avalanches: Triggered by climate change? Recent extreme avalanches: Triggered by climate change?
On 25 September 2008, seismo meters operated by the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) registered strong ground shaking. On the basis of previous experience with such large seismic signals, AVO personnel were able to rapidly identify the seismic event as an avalanche. Two days later, an AVO overflight of Iliamna volcano, near Alaska's Cook Inlet, confirmed that a massive chunk of glacial...
Authors
C. Huggel, J. Caplan-Auerbach, Rick Wessels
Monitoring volcano threats from space Monitoring volcano threats from space
Volcanoes can have extremely wide ranging effects. Even a single eruption can cause disastrous climate changes at great distance from the source. Thus, it is important to have a system to monitor even the most remote volcanoes. The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) on the Terra spacecraft and other satellite sensors provide imagery that is critical to...
Authors
Kenneth A. Duda, Rick L. Wessels, Michael Ramsey, Jonathan Dehn
Monitoring and modeling ice-rock avalanches from ice-capped volcanoes: A case study of frequent large avalanches on Iliamna Volcano, Alaska Monitoring and modeling ice-rock avalanches from ice-capped volcanoes: A case study of frequent large avalanches on Iliamna Volcano, Alaska
Iliamna is an andesitic stratovolcano of the Aleutian arc with regular gas and steam emissions and mantled by several large glaciers. Iliamna Volcano exhibits an unusual combination of frequent and large ice-rock avalanches in the order of 1 ?? 106??m3 to 3 ?? 107??m3 with recent return periods of 2-4??years. We have reconstructed an avalanche event record for the past 45??years that...
Authors
C. Huggel, J. Caplan-Auerbach, C. F. Waythomas, R.L. Wessels
Geothermal disruption of summit glaciers at Mount Spurr Volcano, 2004-6: An unusual manifestation of volcanic unrest Geothermal disruption of summit glaciers at Mount Spurr Volcano, 2004-6: An unusual manifestation of volcanic unrest
Mount Spurr, a 3,374-m-high stratovolcano in the Cook Inlet region of Alaska, showed signs of volcanic unrest beginning in 2004 and lasting through 2006. These signs included increases in heat flow, seismicity, and gas flux, which we interpret as the results of a magmatic intrusion in mid-2004. In response, debris-laden meltwater beneath the glacier in Mount Spurr's geothermally active...
Authors
Michelle L. Coombs, Christina A. Neal, Rick L. Wessels, Robert G. McGimsey
The reawakening of Alaska's Augustine volcano The reawakening of Alaska's Augustine volcano
Augustine volcano, in south central Alaska, ended a 20-year period of repose on 11 January 2006 with 13 explosive eruptions in 20 days. Explosive activity shifted to a quieter effusion of lava in early February, forming a new summit lava dome and two short, blocky lava flows by late March (Figure 1). The eruption was heralded by eight months of increasing seismicity, deformation, gas...
Authors
John A. Power, Christopher J. Nye, Michelle L. Coombs, Rick L. Wessels, Peter F. Cervelli, Jon Dehn, Kristi L. Wallace, Jeffrey T. Freymueller, Michael P. Doukas
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government